Behind the Smile

Hearing about abuse is not easy, but listening and talking about violence is essential for the prevention of abuse against women and men. Discussion surrounding sexual assault has become more prominent in the media, but even so, the focus is still on the predator. Further, there is not as much attention on physical and verbal violence within relationships like marriage. In my song I focused on two central elements. First, the myth that a woman can’t be raped or physically/verbally abused by her boyfriend, partner or spouse (Graham). Also, that a fear of the aggressive partner is a reason for not reporting spousal violence (Graham). “Behind The Smile” is my way of talking about violence against women: a topic that tends to be silenced. This song is hard to hear, but I hope it brings about more awareness of this issue. The lyrics are an intimate snapshot into the life of a trapped woman in a physically and verbally abusive marriage to the man of her dreams.